The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-24
A CAPIUS ISSUED FOR COY
Rearrest of the Democratic Boss, with
Bernhamer, Mattler and Span.
They Will Probably Be Tried Next Month
for the Election Conspiracy-Why Coy
Went to Washington.

Washington was In connection WITH some close
consultations Indiana Democrats of Importance
heldlast week this end of the line for yesterday
he, Henry n. Spaan, Stephen Matter and w.
f. A. Bernhsmer were arrested indct-
ment returned on the Dist of October In the
old indictment for conspiracy the count relative
to the Twenty-third ward was held invalid, as
ii set forth the wrong precinct. The grand
jury that met in October corrected the error,
and it upon this perfected indictment that
capiases issued yesterday. District At
Dey Sellers days ago told his assist
ant, Bailey. that the arrest ought
80 be made to avoid any posi-
Bile mistake when the parties came
30 their second trial. Why the arrests were not
made when the indictments first came from the
grand jury is not explained. but perhaps the
movements of Coy in Washington. and the con-
situations here may make the matter clear.
Some weeks ago District Attorney Sellers said
that the conspiracy could not be set for
trial until January, as the heavy dockets at Fort
Wayne and New Albany, and a large number of
civil suits here waiting to be tried, must neces-
sarilv carry them over until after the holidays.
He assured his listeners that evidence
had been obtained. and that ne would
press the prosecution with all the
vigor he had given it on the first trial He did
not know that conviction would be secured,
but strongly intimated there ought to be one,
and he would do all in his power to bring it
about. 1t was not his purpose, 30 his express
sions went, to let the men 60 UNPUBLISHED or to
do anything that not consistent with his
duty He regarded the as demanding
his most earnest efforts. although he thought
many lawyers in his position would not go into
second trials with the enthusiasm that attended
~
sidered as lesseniug the interest one would nat
uray have when tha case was fresh and alb
sorbine
But the conspiracy cases have not been set
for trial. and little reference to them within the
past two months has been made in the district
attorneys Office. The last time" said Assistant
District Attorney Bailey, last night, ''Mr. Sell
ers spoke to me about them was in November
when we were preparing the calendars of cases
for trial Immediately or along In December. He
then said the conspiracy ought to go
until January. l do not know whether they will
be set for that time or not. They may not come
up until May or July"
'.Is there any possibility of interference in
these cases the part Of leading Democrats"
he vas asked.
why should there be- The men will doubt
less be tried some time, and very probably in
January, for that was Mr.. Sellers's purpose
when he last spoke to regarding them"
1T is said Sim Coy went to Washington for
help
why should he go there for that purpose7
he could do good for himself others with
Washington officials. If he went on the pre-
sumption of obtaining political influence IN
ing him from prosecution, the only men who
could help him-granting that such thing is
possible, which 1 do not admit-could be
for him to see Mr.. Byuum, for he is
one of the defendants attorney. Mr. Mcdonald
was here last week. and SO was Senator Voor-
hees AS for the Attorney general, it is not to
considered would III
terfere to save Coy any other defendant. He
has no control. in the first place, over this class
of cases, and he would not exercise it if he had
it,"
Was not Mr. Sellers in Washington when
Coy was there2"
Il do not know that Mr.. Sellers has been in
Washington. He never said anything to me
about his going there. He is now in Monticello,
where he went Wednesday evening L did
see him Sunday or Monday, and but
Tuesday. 1 do not remember whether il was
morning or afternoon of that day"
But Mr.. Sellers was in Washington Mon
day"
Then he made very quick trip. for I saw
him on Saturday afternoon and again Tues
day; but in the intervening time 1 thought he
was at Monticello. There was no occasion for
his visiting Washington that | know of. for he
has no fears that the Senate will not confirm his
Rppoin tment. If he went there that mission
he doubt would have remained until the Sem
ate had taken action
When assured that his superior officer had
been in Washington, Mr.. Baily continued to ex-
that could have with Coy's visit to the same city,
When at the capital, Coy, 1t IS stated. saw
number of influential Indiana Democrats and
asked them to their influence to induce
District Attorney Sellers not to prosecute him.
While Coy was making appeals in that direc-
ton. several suggestive interviews took place
hero between Mr.. Sellers and leading Demo
Gratis The week previous to Dec. 13 he spent
in Monticello. but on that day he returned to
tn the CITY On the evening of Dec.
long talk in the Grand Hotel
lobby and the afternoon of last Saturday. at the
place he, Senator Voorhees, and Leon
Bailey were in consultation. Mr.. Sellers no
doubt, left for Washington that night, or early
Sunday morning. Coy while in Washington
by some means learned of his having left In
disnapolis for that city, and redoubled his
efforts to have the Indiana Democrats secure a
pledge from Mr. Sellers TO let the prosecution
against him cease. Coy knew SO well the move
ments of the district Attorney that he met him
at the train his arrival. when he begged for
leniency. The next day, Tuesday, Coy left for
home, it is understood Mr.. Sellers said to
Democrats who approached him about the mat
Ter That he did not propose to show Coy any
quarter, as be could not afford to do Tho
district attorney told friend that Indianapolis
Democrats were ready TO sacrifice Coy for the
benefit of the party.
If Mr.. Bailey is correct in regard to the return
OF Mr.. Sellers to this city, he left Washington |
before Coy. the latter took Tuesday even |
ing train for home. If ne is not correct then it
Is probable Coy was close upon MIR, Selers's |
heels their return, for the latter got back in
time. if not until Wednesday, take the train |
that evening for Monticello. Mr.. Bailey, when |
he could no longer doubt that his superior had |
been in Washington. said he certain he saw |
him in their Office Tuesday noon, but the |
people at his hotel, the Grand, say |
they cannot tell whether he in town or |
not that day Another feature in this connec- !
ton suggests that Coy went to Washington to |
save himself and immediate friends who are in
dicted at the expense or the rest. for one or two
of the indicted said last night that they knew |
nothing of his Washington visit until they saw
his presence there announced in the papers. It |
is also a matter of recent discovery that Judge |
Montgomery of the District of Columbia, is re-
lated. by marriage, to one Of the defendants. and
that Postmaster general Dickinson is init
mate friend of that defendants family
On their rearrest. yesterday, Coy, Span, |
Bern hamer and Matter gave bail in the sum of /
$500 each. John E. Sullivan Is surety for Coy |
and Msttler. John Steeg signed for Bernhamer, |
aud Sheriff KING for Span.